Prospective Evaluation of Applied Energy Research and Development at DOE (Phase Two) (BEES)

Released 12/28/06

Over the past several years, Federal agencies—largely at the direction of Congress—have expanded efforts to measure the performance of their activities. Through the Government Performance and Results Act (GRPA) and other mandates, the agencies have developed indicators of program performance. At the request of Congress, the NRC has undertaken a series of studies using quantitative indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of applied energy R&D at DOE. This is the third report in the series and presents the results of the application of benefits evaluation methodology developed in the second study to six R&D programs within DOE. These are: the carbon sequestration, integrated gasification combined cycle technology R&D, the natural gas exploration and production, the distributed energy resources, the light-duty vehicle technology R&D, and the chemical industrial technologies programs. The report also includes descriptions of enhancements of the methodology in the form of new indicators for environmental and security benefits and of refinements of the evaluation process based on experience with the case studies. Finally, the report’s appendix contains the detailed analyses of each of the six programs.

Alternatives for the Indian Point Energy Center in Meeting New York Electric Power Needs (BEES)

Released 06/06/06

Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, many in the New York City area have become concerned about the possible consequences of a similar attack on the Indian Point nuclear power plants—located about 40 miles from Manhattan, and have made calls for their closure. Any closure, however, would require actions to replace the 2000 MW of power supplied by the plants. To examine this issue in detail, the Congress directed DOE to request a study from the NRC of options for replacing the power. This report presents detailed review of both demand and supply options for replacing that power as well as meeting expected demand growth in the region. It also assesses institutional considerations for these options along with their expected impacts. Finally, the report provides an analysis of scenarios for implementing the replacement options using simulation modeling.

Trends in Oil Supply and Demand Potential for Peaking of Conventional Oil Production, and Possible Mitigations Options (BEES)

Released 3.1.06

Recent events and analyses have suggested that global production of oil might peak sometime within the next few years to the next one or two decades. Other analyses, however, conclude that oil supply can meet global demand for some decades to come and that oil production peaking is much further off. To explore this issue, the NRC held a workshop, funded by the Department of Energy, bringing together analysts representing these different views. The workshop was divided into four main sessions: setting the stage; future global oil supply and demand balance; mitigation options and time to implementation; and potential follow-up activities. This report provides a summary of the workshop including the key points, issues and questions raised by the participants, and it identifies possible topics for follow-up studies. No consensus views, conclusions, or recommendations are presented.